How to Get Started Using PSTL in Your Classroom

Are you new to the Northwestern Lower MiSTEM Network Promoting STEM Through Literature project? If so, welcome! These resources are developed specifically with you in mind. We understand that new projects can be a bit intimidating to try. We are here to help. If you have questions feel free to reach out to mistem@northwested.org

There are so many good books. Are you wondering which one to start with your students? One Plastic Bag is an easy start that does not require a lot of costly materials. As you guide your students through the lessons please remember that these resources are grounded in the Maker Philosophy. This means that the students will be making, deciding, iterating, etc.

Let's chat a bit about Maker. 

"Maker education offers a transformational approach to teaching and learning that attends to the real and relevant needs of learners and humans. It is an approach that positions agency and student interest at the center, asking students to become more aware of the design of the world around them, and begin to see themselves as people who can tinker, hack and improve that design.

Maker education is fundamentally about approaches, mindsets, and community – not about stuff – and Maker Ed’s focus on educators and the institutions they work in emerges from our core belief that maker education is about people. We know that people need support, tools, resources and community to fully participate in the opportunities offered. We know that learning is contextual and social, and that for children to get what they need, educators must have what they need." (What is Maker Education?)

So what does this mean? Maker empowers student voice, choice, and creates a real-world context that means something to them. This means that maker requires the educator to release a bit of control and embrace the mess of learning and how it ties back to people.

We host introductory workshops in Maker periodically. Contact Drea Weiner, Regional Director to learn about the next workshop. Don't have a chance to attend the workshop? Check out Learning in the Making. It's a great "online video series designed to support educators and families with accessible hands-on learning experiences. This work is part of our focus on supporting remote learning in various environments." (Learning in the Making)

Curriculum Connections

All teachers are professional experts in their subjects and pedagogy. These resources will provide teachers with different ideas in which they can use their expertise to meet their current needs. All items can be scaled and adapted to any subject, preK to 12 (and beyond). With Creative Commons licensing, all educators are encouraged to use and adapt the resources as they see fit.  (REMC PSTL Curriculum Connections)

These resources have been designed so you can run with them in the classroom without having to do extensive professional learning prior to introducing them to your students. However, we do understand that experiencing the project through PL is helpful and can reduce your wonderings about classroom implementation. Below are a few options for you to engage in.